Macedonian/French composer Pande Shahov studied with Risto Avramovski before enrolling at the Saints Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Macedonia, where he graduated in the class of Tomislav Zografski. As a British Council Chevening Scholar, he completed his Postgraduate Diploma at London’s Royal College of Music, in the class of composer Julian Anderson. In 2013 he was awarded a PhD at Royal Holloway University of London, under Phil Cashian’s supervision.
Shahov’s music has been performed by the Ixion, Lontano, Chroma, Reconcil, Horizonte and Composers’ ensembles; by the New London Chamber Choir and Pro Ars Choir; as well as the Sofia, Macedonian and London Philharmonic orchestras. His recent premieres include Symphony of Songs and Epitaphs by the Macedonian National Opera, Estampes by guitarist Nejc Kuhar, and Lakes by the ConTempora String Quartet.
A 2017 commission included Pletenki (Plaits), an 80-minute work for mixed quintet, based on Macedonian folk dances and songs, composed for the renowned pianist Simon Trpčeski’s project Makedonissimo. The premiere of Pletenki was at Ludwigsburg Schossfestspiele in May 2017; and in 2018, the project travels to London, Szczecin, Lille, Wiesbaden and Amsterdam. Plans are under way for further performances in the USA, Serbia and Austria.
A compact disc with Shahov’s music was released this year, including chamber and orchestral works, recorded by the Macedonian Philharmonic, Freiburg Percussion Ensemble, Saxofonquadrat, ConTempora String Quartet, Daniel Broncano (clarinet), Rebecca Jones (viola), and Stephen Gutman (piano).
Shahov has been living in the United Kingdom since 1998. He works as a Professor of Academic Studies at the Royal College of Music and Lecturer of Music at Alton College in Hampshire. He also teaches composition for Hampshire Music Service.
Pande Shahov joins us as a composer in residence. On Opening Night, August 3, during the Aural Histories concert, Cabrillo Festival will present the world premiere of his latest work, a Piano Concerto written for Simon Trpceski.
